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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Health and Safety at Work Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a comprehensive framework for ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all staff, people we support, visitors, and contractors within {{org_field_name}}.

This policy aligns with CQC Fundamental Standards and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, ensuring that our care home maintains a safe and compliant working environment. It outlines how we assess, prevent, and manage risks, ensuring that everyone in our care home is protected from avoidable harm.

Through the implementation of this policy, {{org_field_name}} is committed to promoting a positive health and safety culture, ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements and taking proactive steps to maintain a safe working and living environment.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees (including full-time, part-time, temporary, and agency staff).
• Volunteers, contractors, and external service providers working at {{org_field_name}}.
• People we support (residents) and their families and visitors.
• External regulators and inspectors, including the CQC and Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Everyone working at or visiting our care home has a shared responsibility for ensuring health and safety standards are upheld.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy complies with the following legislation and regulations:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Establishes the legal duty of care for employers and employees in ensuring a safe workplace.
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – Requires employers to conduct risk assessments and implement safety measures.
• CQC Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) – Mandates that care providers prevent avoidable harm and ensure safety in service delivery​.
• Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992 – Covers workplace conditions, including hygiene, ventilation, and maintenance.
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 – Governs how staff should safely move and handle residents and equipment to prevent injury.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 – Ensures safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013 – Requires reporting of workplace incidents and near-misses.
• Fire Safety Order 2005 – Mandates fire risk assessments and fire prevention measures.

By complying with these regulations and best practices, {{org_field_name}} ensures a safe, well-maintained, and risk-controlled environment for everyone.

4. Key Principles of Health and Safety Management

4.1 Risk Assessment and Hazard Management

At {{org_field_name}}, we proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks through a structured risk assessment process. Risk assessments are conducted regularly and whenever there is a change in working practices or environment.

Risk assessments focus on:

• Identifying potential hazards, such as slips, trips, falls, fire hazards, and infection risks.
• Assessing the likelihood and severity of harm.
• Implementing preventative and control measures to eliminate or minimise risks.
• Reviewing and updating risk assessments at least annually or following an incident.

Staff are trained in recognising and reporting hazards to ensure continuous safety improvements.

4.2 Safe Working Environment

Maintaining a clean, safe, and hazard-free environment is a top priority.

• All areas within the care home are regularly cleaned, sanitised, and well-maintained.
• Floors, corridors, and communal spaces are kept clear of obstructions to prevent falls.
• Equipment, including mobility aids, hoists, and medical devices, are regularly serviced and checked.
• Emergency exits are clearly marked and unobstructed, ensuring safe evacuation in an emergency.

Regular health and safety inspections are carried out to identify any potential issues, and immediate corrective actions are taken.

4.3 Infection Prevention and Control

We implement robust infection prevention and control measures to minimise the risk of infections.

• Staff are trained in infection control, including hand hygiene, PPE use, and waste disposal.
• Regular cleaning schedules are followed, ensuring high-touch surfaces are sanitised.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided, ensuring safe working conditions for infection prevention.
• Isolation procedures are in place for individuals with infectious illnesses.

These measures comply with CQC Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) and Public Health England (PHE) infection control guidance​.

4.4 Manual Handling and Moving People Safely

At {{org_field_name}}, we follow safe manual handling procedures to protect staff and people we support from injury.

• Staff receive specialist training on proper lifting techniques, use of hoists, and assistive devices.
• Risk assessments are conducted before any moving and handling tasks.
• Where needed, two-person lifting techniques and equipment-assisted transfers are used.
• All manual handling incidents are reviewed to identify improvements.

By adhering to the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, we prevent injuries related to incorrect lifting and handling practices.

4.5 Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Fire safety is a critical component of our health and safety strategy.

• Fire risk assessments are conducted and updated annually.
• Fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting are regularly tested.
• All staff receive fire safety training, including evacuation procedures.
• Regular fire drills ensure that everyone knows how to respond in an emergency.
• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are created for individuals requiring assistance during an evacuation.

These measures align with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, ensuring compliance and preparedness.

4.6 Reporting Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses

To ensure a transparent and learning-focused approach, all accidents, incidents, and near misses are reported, documented, and reviewed.

• Staff must report any accidents, injuries, or dangerous occurrences to management immediately.
• Reports are logged under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) when necessary.
• Investigations are conducted to determine root causes and prevent recurrence.
• Findings from incidents inform staff training and safety improvements.

By fostering an open culture of safety reporting, we ensure continuous learning and risk reduction.

4.7 Staff Training and Competency

All staff undergo comprehensive health and safety training, including:

• Fire safety and evacuation procedures.
• Infection control and PPE use.
• Manual handling and moving residents safely.
• First aid and emergency response training.
• Safe use of hazardous substances (COSHH regulations).

Training is updated annually and supplemented with refresher courses.

5. Monitoring and Compliance

To ensure ongoing compliance with health and safety regulations:

• Quarterly health and safety audits are conducted.
• Risk assessments are regularly reviewed and updated.
• CQC inspections are fully supported with documentation of compliance.
• Regular staff feedback and safety meetings are held to address concerns and improvements.

These measures ensure that {{org_field_name}} remains a safe and legally compliant environment for all.

6. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or earlier if regulatory changes, workplace incidents, or new best practices emerge.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.